August 13

Good afternoon!  I want to welcome everyone back to school and back to Granite Falls Middle School.  As you can imagine, things at school are very busy and information is changing daily.  Here is what I can tell you about band this semester-

May 21

A Message for all Future Spartans!

https://youtu.be/MS9iZBgJ6Og

May 13

8th Graders - Don't forget that Spartan Regiment audition recordings are due tomorrow - May 14th.  Visit schsspartanband.org for more info.

May 7

6th Grade Band registration has begun!  Click the link below to start your band career!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd09AhdLLLrqNLmdtj0og--gBi7RZQblXcbHGvIVdLtAbqrMg/viewform?usp=sf_link

April 29

April 2

All band assignments, grades, and playing tests are located in Google Classroom.  Everyone has a free subscription to SmartMusic.com that can be used to practice for playing tests, play concert band literature, or explore their music library. Please register using a personal email address if you haven't already done so.    

March 16

The auditorium will be open every day this week from 7:45 - 3:30 to pick-up instruments.  Students need to be checking their Google Classroom DAILY.  

February 3

January 27

Due to the due date of my coming child, I think it would be smart to cancel the 8th graders performance at the MPA Preview Concert on March 3rd.  I will be bringing band directors in to listen to the band through out the coming months to help prepare them for MPA.

December 12

Important information about tonight's Winter Concert at South Caldwell High School-

• PER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY- STUDENTS CANNOT ATTEND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IF THEY DID NOT ATTEND SCHOOL THAT DAY.  This includes concerts.  
• Park in the Stadium Parking Lot and enter through the "Gym/Theater" entrance.  Follow the signs for the Theater.
• If you need elevator access, park at the Main Office and enter the school there.  A student will escort you to the elevator.
• Admission is $3.  
• Students need to unpack and prepare their instruments in the car.  No cases in the building.  Woodwinds, please have an extra reed in your pocket.
• Everyone is responsible for bringing their own instruments. This includes tubas, bass clarinets, etc.
• We are expecting a full house tonight.  Because of this, 6th/7th graders may leave after the 7th graders perform.  
• The rows in the Theater are very long.  Please sit in toward the center of the rows so that we can use all available seating. 
• Dress for the concert is black and white.  Boys need to have a white collard shirt and black dress pants.  Girls may wear the same as boys or a dress/skirt.  All clothing MUST meet school dress code.
• 6th grade - Call time 5:30.  Performance 6:00.
• 7th grade - Call time 5:45.  Performance after 6th grade
• Jazz Band - Call time 6:45.  Performance 7:00 in lobby.
• 8th grade - Call time 7:10.  Performance 7:30.

See everyone tonight- it should be a great concert!

November 20

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thursday, December 12 all bands at GFMS will be performing at the Winter Concert.  This concert is a little different than in the past.  First of all, the concert is at South Caldwell High School in the theater. Secondly, performances will be split into two groups. Sixth and Seventh Grade will have their concert at 6:00.  Eighth Grade and SCHS Symphonic Band will have their concert at 7:30.  Jazz Band will perform in between the two sections.  Students are NOT required to stay to watch both sections perform, but are more than welcome to stay if they would like.  This performance is required of ALL students in Band at GFMS.  Any student missing the concert must have a written excuse and will have to play their music for a grade.   

Dress for the concert will be a white collared shirt or blouse, and black pants or skirt.  Shirts must be “tucked in.”  A tie for the gentlemen is suggested, but is not required.   Black dresses will also be acceptable for ladies as long as they meet school dress code.  Visit the Band Handbook on my website (https://www.caldwellschools.com/Page/9149) for more details.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 

The concert will be in the South Caldwell High School Theater and admission is $3.

November 6

All fundraiser orders and money are due tomorrow- Thursday, Nov. 7.

October 31

2019 Granite Falls Festival on the Square

Clarinet Choir (7th and 8th graders)

Rehearsals 3:15-4:15 in the band room

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Thursday, Nov. 14

Tuesday, Nov. 19

Thursday, Nov. 21

Performance - Monday, Nov. 25 on the Granite Falls Square 6:00 - 8:00 (exact time to be determined later)

Participants need to commit to at least three of the four rehearsal, thought I prefer you attend all four. 

October 28

Parents/Students - Please be aware that two changes have been made to the handbook starting the second quarter.

"Class Participation"

“I forgot my horn.” Students are allowed to forget their instrument one time per quarter without penalty.  Any instruments left at home after the first incident will result in the removable two points from the student’s quarterly average per occurrence. Students who forget their instrument on playing test days will be allowed to take their test the following morning (7:20am - 8:05am) one time per quarter (updated 10/28/19).  Woodwind players who do not have a reed, brass who do not have their mouthpieces and percussionist who do not have their sticks will be treaded as if they do not have their instrument. 

"Grading Policy"

Grading policies for the Granite Falls Middle Band program have been developed over a period of years

and in cooperation with directors from the some of the finest programs in our state. These policies have been designed to ensure that the grade report clearly and accurately reflects the performance quality of each

individual and further ensures that the band experience is fair and equitable to all who participate. Below is an explanation of the grading formula used for each grading period. (updated 10/28/19)

• 15%  Participation (being prepared for class, having all materials, paying attention, follow class rules)
• 30%  Evening Performance (arriving on time, appropriately dressed, following concert etiquette)
• 40%  Test (playing and written)
• 15%  Worksheets

When there is not an evening performance during a Nine-week grading period, the following grading scale will be used.

• 45%  Participation (being prepared for class, having all materials, paying attention, follow class rules)
• 40%  Test (playing and written)
• 15%  Worksheets

October 28

2019 Caldwell All County Band Auditions

Who:  7th and 8th grade band students who have registered for auditions

What: All County Band Auditions

When:  Monday, October 28 5:00 - 6:30

Where: Hibriten High School (warm-up in auditorium)

Next Monday is All County Band auditions at Hibriten High School.  Students need to meet in the auditorium at 5:00.  Students will audition on a “first come”  basis.  Parents are encouraged to wait for their child to audition.  It might take 10 minutes or 60 minutes, it just depends when they show-up.  Students may leave when they are finished auditioning.  Audition results will be posted on the band room bulletin board the next morning.  Students can come to be band room Tuesday morning to get their warm Krispy Kreme doughnut while looking at results :)

If your child wins a “seat" in the band, the clinic will be Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16.  More information to follow.   

October 25

It's Fundraising time!

Parents and friends of the Granite Falls middle school Band. On Thursday we began our fundraiser and we really need your help and support to cover the cost of new music purchases, instruments, instrument repairs, competition cost, travel, and various other related cost.  Parents be sure that you check with your student to get the information about our fundraiser. For others please text GFMS  to 844-229-1999.  You will receive a link where you can go and view all the great items available to purchase to support our band and chorus. You may purchase online and have product shipped to the school or you may purchase online and have products shipped directly to your home with a shipping charge. Frozen product cannot be shipped to the home. Upon checkout you will be asked to credit your purchase to one of our great students.  Thanks for your support of the Granite Falls middle school Band!

October 16

Attention 8th grade students and parents - The Carowinds Festival of Music trip/performance has been moved to avoid conflict with the 8th grade trip to DC.  Our new date is Friday, April 3rd.

October 9

Attention all GFMS band students and parents! This Saturday, South Caldwell High School will be hosting the 17th annual Spartan Southern Classic Marching Band Competition. This promise to be one of the best years ever with 17 band participating!

Now the best part- Granite Falls band students get in for free! Just tell them your name when you get to the entrance. Attached is the schedule of performances. Adult tickets are $10.  Concessions will be for sale through out the day so bring some cash for food. I hope to see a lot a future Spartans in attendance Saturday!

Schedule of Bands

October 3

Next Saturday (Oct. 12) the 8th Grade Band will be performing our National Anthem with Hudson Middle School at the Spartan Southern Classic Marching Band Competition held at South Caldwell High School.  Call time is 10:00.  Performance is at 11:00.  They should be finished by 11:30.  Dress is the new band shirt and dark pants/shorts.  This is performance will receive a "concert" grade.  More information to come.

September 10

Band shirt/hoodies order forms are going home today.  Students can send cash, checks, or can pay online-

https://osp.osmsinc.com/CaldwellNC/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=BB024

Shirt form

Orders are due by Tuesday, September 17th.  8th graders need to purchase a t-shirt.  

September 10

6th Grade Parents! Information is going home today about Music Academy. Music Academy is a lesson program designed to give beginning band students additional small group instruction. Students will receive approximately five 45 minute lessons with a qualified high school student. Music Academy is a great opportunity for your child to get additional help on their instrument at a very low cost to you! This was super successful last year and I HIGHLY encourage it!

Forms and payment is due Tuesday, September 17th.

Academy Form

August 26

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a great summer and is ready for an awesome school year.  The 2019-2020 GFMS Band Handbook and Calendar of Events are now available.  Please click the menu on the left hand side of the page.  

7th and 8th grade students will need their instuments Tuesday, August 27.  6th graders will NOT need their instruments until September 3rd.  

May 9

Tuesday, May 21st all bands at GFMS will be performing at the Spring Concert.  This concert is a little different than in the past.  First of all, the concert is at GFMS in the auditorium. Secondly, performances will be staggered because of the amount of seating in our auditorium.  Sixth Graders will have their concert at 6:00 (report to band room at 5:45).  Seventh Graders concert will be at 6:45 (report to band room at 6:30).  Finally, Eighth Graders will have their concert at 7:30 (report to band room at 7:15).  Students are NOT required to stay to watch the other bands perform, but are more than welcome to stay if they would like.  This performance is required of ALL students in Band at GFMS.  Any student missing the concert must have a written excuse and will have to play their music for a grade.   

Dress for the concert will be a white collared shirt or blouse, and black pants or skirt.  Shirts must be “tucked in.”  A tie for the gentlemen is suggested, but is not required.   Black dresses will also be acceptable for ladies as long as they meet school dress code.  Visit the Band Handbook on my website (https://www.caldwellschools.com/Page/9149) for more details.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 

The concert will be in the Granite Falls Middle School Auditorium and admission is $3.

May 2

Middle School Band sign-ups below!

6th Grade Band registration

Band Recruitment Letter

March 22

Congratulations to the 7th Grade Band and the 8th Grade Band-  both groups recieved SUPERIOR ratings at MPA yesterday!  GFMS is one of only two middle schools in northwestern North Carolina to have two bands recieve SUPERIORS at MPA. This is the third year in a row that Granite Falls Middle has recieved SUPERIOR ratings at MPA.    

March 19

This Thursday, the 7th and 8th grade bands will be traveling to Lenoir-Rhyne University for MPA (Music Performance Adjudication).  The 7th grade will be performing at 10:00am and the 8th grade at 12:05pm- both in PE Monroe Auditorium.  You are more than welcome to attend and admission is free.  We will be leaving immediately after the 8th graders perform to go to the food court at Valley Hills Mall for lunch.  The goal is to be back before 3:05, but there is a slight chance we won’t make it back in time.  If we are going to be late, I will have your child call you and let you know.  If this happens, please make arrangements to have them picked-up by 4:00pm.  Obviously, I will never leave your child unattended and will stay with them as long as needed, but after a long day, everyone would like to go home. 

Thank you for your understanding and hopefully this won’t be an issue. 

February 25

The reward trip to Defy is Thursday 2/28. We'll leave after school and be back by 6.  Students need $2 for socks unless they already own "Defy" socks.

February 6

The reward trip to Defy is Mon 2/18. We'll leave after school and be back by 6.  More info and permission form/wavier to come.

Januray 28

Reminder for 7th and 8th grade parents - playing test can be retaken for higher grades any day of the week in the morning before school at 7:30, online via Google Classroom, or after school with an appointment. Student must have a 80 or above on all their playing test in order to attend MPA in March. This Thursday is our third playing test. Check PowerSchool to see if you child is on track. 

January 28

Congratulations to the following students for making All District Band!

Milan W. - 2nd chair oboe - Concert Band

Naylen R. - 5th chair trumpet - Symphonic Band

Jake H. - 4th chair trombone - Concert Band

December 11

I've been getting a few emails about the concert. As of right now, if we are in school Thursday (even with a delay), the concert will still go forward as planned. If students are not in school Thursday, we are not allowed to have the concert that evening. The make-up date would be this Friday, December 14 at GFMS in the auditorium with the 6th grade beginning at 6:30. Think warm thoughts and hopefully we'll be back Thursday!

December 3

Band fundraiser items will be delieverd Friday, December 14.  Large orders can be picked up after school.

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thursday, December 13th all bands at GFMS will be performing at the Winter Concert.  Sixth Graders need to arrive at the Broyhill Civic Center and be on stage by 7:00. Seventh and Eighth Graders need to be seated in the auditorium by 7:15  The concert will begin at 7:30.  This performance is required of ALL students in Band at GFMS.  Any student missing the concert must have a written excuse and will have to play their music for a grade.   

Dress for the concert will be a white collared shirt or blouse, and black pants or skirt.  Shirts must be “tucked in.”  A tie for the gentlemen is suggested, but is not required.   Black dresses will also be acceptable for ladies as long as they meet school dress code.  Visit the Band Handbook on my website (https://www.caldwellschools.com/Page/9149) for more details.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 

The concert will be at the Broyhill Civic Center and admission is $3.

Please sign below and have your child return the bottom of this sheet to school for a worksheet grade. 

Thank you,

Patrick Haymore

Wednesday, Nov. 7

October 30

Results from last night's All County Band auditions. Congratulations to everyone who made it! I'm also very proud of all the students who auditioned. You can't make it if you don't try!

Flute
5 - Riley B.
6 - Willow K.
7 - Chelsea M.
9 - Kylee S.
10- Allie H.

October 23

Who:  7th and 8th grade band students who have registered for auditions

What: All County Band Auditions

When:  Monday, October 29 5:00 - 6:30

Where: Hibriten High School (warm-up in auditorium)

Next Monday is All County Band auditions at Hibriten High School.  Students need to meet in the auditorium at 5:00.  Students will audition on a “first come”  basis.  Parents are encouraged to wait for their child to audition.  It might take 10 minutes or 60 minutes, it just depends when they show-up.  Students may leave when they are finished auditioning.  Audition results will be posted on the band room bulletin board the next morning.  Students can come to be band room Tuesday morning to get their warm Krispy Kreme doughnut while looking at results :)

If your child wins a “seat" in the band, the clinic will be Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17.  More information to follow.   

October 9

Info on Spartan Southern Classic.

Spartan Classic

September 20

All County Band auditions are approching!  Auditions are open to 7th and 8th graders and are at Hibriten HS on Monday, October 29th  from 5:00-6:00.  Students must provide their own transoportation. 

Registration is $3. Please bring a cash or check (made to GFMS) to Mr. Haymore by October 17th.

September 20

8th Grade Band Night at SCHS this Friday!  Info attached.

8th Grade Band Night at SCHS

September 10

All District Solo recordings!  

https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/fpa/music/north-carolina-all-state-solos.aspx

September 4

The 6th grade is having field trips Wed. and Thur. They do not need to bring their instrument the day that they are on the trip.  

August 24

The GFMS Band has a Facebook page!  This is a closed group so you will need to answer a few questions before I can approve your request.    

https://www.facebook.com/groups/granitefallsband/

August 23

Please read the 2018-2019 GFMS Band Handbook and sign the contract that your child will be bringing home on the first day of school.

2018-2019 GFMS Band Handbook

August 23 

It's almost time! I hope everyone is excited about the new school year- I know I am! Students WILL NOT need to bring their instruments on Monday. We have paperwork and housekeeping to take care of first. 6th grade parents- your child probably won't need to bring their instruments the first week of school. I'll let them know when to start bringing them.

Enjoy the weekend and I can't wait to see everyone Monday!